Phone interview vent

[stargurl2006]

Today, I had a phone interview for a new grad position in a very respected hospital. I've been very excited for this interview because it is in a specialty that I love.

However, now I am not feeling so good about it. They were running late in calling me (about a half hour), which is no big deal. But, the interview lasted only 5 minutes. They told me they were interviewing hundreds of applicants for just one position and that I would hear from HR if I were to be offered the position. The whole interview felt really rushed, like they didn't want me to answer the questions fully.

Is it possible for them to make a decision for one position based on hundreds of short phone calls? I feel like I answered the questions appropriately but I don't know if it is enough to stand out from hundreds of others...

[mvm2]

In this kind of situation and style of interview it is hard to make those connections and give them a good impression of yourself that is going to stand out from other interviewers. You mentioned that this was a speciality that you loved. Did you state that to the interviewer? That might be something that will help you stand out from the crowd. All you could do was your best, and if you think you answered the questions to the best of your ability the you can say if it happens it happens but if not just move on to the next opertunity and know this one was not meant to be your job. Good Luck

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

I had a phone interview that went well that I landed a job from recently - it lasted nearly fifty minutes. I'd say you aren't going to get that job. Five minutes is way too short for them to really talk things out with you. It doesn't sound like you were the top candidate to begin with, and the way the phone interview went is not your fault. I always wonder WHY people interview candidates that they know are not going to be what they're looking for, and why in the world they'd interview so many people for one position. I have been on a few interviews like that where you just knew that the person really wasn't interested in hiring you right off the bat, and I've always wondered why I was there. Especially since some of them involved long-distance drives!

I really want to shake some of these hiring managers and say, "Please don't have me drive eight hours for an interview if you're not seriously considering me!!!"

It just is what it is. At least you only wasted five minutes of your time on those people, and you got to do it in the comfort of your own home. Keep your chin up, and keep applying more places.

[lub dub]

Many times, phone interviews are a screening tool for employers to decide who moves on to the next stage of the process, which is an in-person interview. You stated that there were "hundreds of applicants". If that is the case, brief phone interviews seem appropriate. I wouldn't read too much into that. Best of luck...

[stargurl2006]

Thank you all for your replies. I am trying to stay positive since its a position I really want. But, I am aware that my chances of being one in hundreds is slim. I truly hope that they weren't serious in saying that they were interviewing hundreds, since the criteria for the job included a preceptorship in this specialty.